Johannes Hendrik Been

Born in Brielle on February 8, 1859, Johannes Hendrik Been — usually known as Johan Been — trained as a teacher and worked in education in his hometown for many years. Alongside that career, he became deeply involved in local history and in 1895 was appointed archivist of Den Briel, a role he kept until his death in 1930.

Been became widely known as a writer of historical fiction and children's books. His best-known title is Paddeltje; De scheepsjongen van Michiel de Ruyter (1908), a lively adventure story that kept his name alive long after his lifetime. Much of his work drew on Dutch maritime history and on the stories, streets, and archives of Brielle.

That mix of storyteller and historian gives his books their special feel. He wrote with affection for the past, but also with the pace and clarity needed to keep younger readers turning pages, which is why his work still appeals to readers interested in classic Dutch historical adventure.